Energy conservation

The government's latest directive for markets and malls to close early to conserve energy is a great example of something that makes perfect sense as a permanent reform, but is being used only as a stopgap. Shops and markets in Pakistan – major urban centres like Karachi and Lahore, in particular – remain open extremely late every day of the week, unlike in most other countries. Even in the United States, one of the beacons of capitalism, most malls and retail outlets close relatively early, by around 9pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends. Even restaurants rarely stay open past 8pm or 9pm on weekdays. The few shops that do stay ajar late are mostly convenience stores, supermarkets or large grocery stores, specifically because they sell everyday essentials.

Meanwhile, there are several common-sense measures that can be imposed without hampering commerce helping the country cut down on energy consumption. In that, we can take cue from the outside world. In New York City, after the city government ordered stores to close their doors while air conditioning was running, some people worried it would reduce incoming foot traffic. However, clothing giant H&M later estimated that it saved almost $10,000 in energy costs a year - or about 77,500kWh - on average per store with no noticeable reduction in foot traffic, and it has now established closed doors as a companywide policy, even where not required by law.

Japan in 2005 encouraged businesses to raise thermostats to 28 degrees Celcius and allow workers to avoid a tie suit and dress more casually, leading to over 210 million kilowatt hours saved in just the first three months. Here - where we already have a very airy outfit option in the shalwar kameez combo - the government is struggling to reduce circular debt in the energy sector, but is still afraid of making early closing times a permanent rule or even relaxing dress rules in many professional areas.

Institutions like the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) need to be empowered to ensure the enforcement of energy-efficient building codes and promote behavioural change. Ironically, while the former faces opposition due to the added initial cost on businesses, most polices under the latter category cost almost nothing to implement and may even increase commercial profits by cutting costs, yet the government and businesses would rather lose money than change their ways.